As autumn approaches, Boulder housing market continues to be strong

What will autumn bring for the Boulder Valley real estate market? Fall typically sees a slowdown in residential sales, as inventories decline and homebuyers focus on school, the holidays and other concerns.

But, as writer Jeff Thomas notes in this edition of Distinctive Homes of the Boulder Valley, autumn offers distinct advantages for those seeking a new home. For one, fewer buyers are competing for homes on the market, and prices might be more reasonable. Some great deals can be had.

And, as Mary Ellis, broker/owner of New Century Group of Boulder and Lafayette, noted, “Not having so many other people out there looking is helpful, and the inventory this particular year has opened up some, so there are more homes for people to look at.”

What about 2014? Dave Scott, principal broker of the Scott Group of Colorado Landmark Realtors, noted in a column that interest rates are expected to increase in 2014, meaning that the year is unlikely to match the sales activity of 2013.

What else will you find in this edition of Distinctive Homes? How about WaterStone Ridge, an $11 million property listed in Pine Brook Hills west of Boulder. As writer Elizabeth Gold notes, the home is an 8,900-square-foot home nestled in a series of rock outcroppings. (Read our story; then check out www.waterstoneridge.com for some truly spectacular photos.)

• Jeff Thomas takes a look at homes in or near golf-course communities in the Boulder Valley. Some of these courses are newer, while others date back decades, and

• Elizabeth Gold also examines what buyers can get for $6 million-plus in various listings in Boulder County. (Hint: You can’t go wrong with any of the choices.)

Other articles and features should strike you fancy, too. But this edition will be the last you see until we pick up with the 2014 editions of Distinctive Homes of the Boulder Valley. In the meantime, be sure to visit www.distinctivehomesbv.com for updates on the region’s residential market.

Christopher Wood can be reached at 303-440-4950 or via email at cwood@bcbr.com.